Trying to find a good Joystick

[Riktar]

I think I saw another post somewhere saying you couldn't get them separately, which isn't ideal for those of us who want to mix and match. You may end up buying the set and having to ebay the flight stick (or maybe you will like it and keep it).

The throttle in my opinion is wonderful, its solid and has a ton of buttons, switches, hats, rockers, axis. You could actually pilot a ship just using the throttle section of the HOTAS, I haven't tried this and don't recommend it but this does demonstrate how flexible it is. That said, others have had a bad time with the throttle, failure of components quite early on. I have had no such issues with mine, works perfectly and hope it continues to do so. Good luck whatever you decide.

I agree 100% with you on the merits of the throttle when it is 100% working.

I was just pondering my options regarding my throttle situation. AS it stands now the throttle still works just fine for me since the (as you mentioned) "ton" of available buttons and switched have allowed me to remap away from the failing buttons.

My concern is the situation will spread and worsen as time goes on.

Props to you that yours is still fully functional!!!

Fly well Cmdr,,,,,

 

[Ancipital]

Your post however has me thinking that if I could find just the throttle from a X55 or X52 Pro to replace mine, I would be all set. I really like the layout I have seen and your endorsement has me thinking,,,,,,,

Consider the CH Pro Throttle, available on its own. Warning- habit-forming equipment.

 

[Blairvoyach]

For what it's worth, my Thrustmaster F22pro and TQS throttle are now approaching their 20th (maybe more) birthdays. They are on the original pots but have been converted first to digital (15 years ago) and now to USB and a pile of switches added to the throttle base just for E: D. They have been hammered in every sim from the earliest MS Flight sim through years of Falcon 4.0, Janes Apache, DCS etc..... I've never had a button break or a pot go bad, the most I've had to do is to make two new friction rings for the throttle to tighten the action up. If I ever need to relpace it, it will be with the TM Warthog or a CH Products setup if unavailable.

(The big antenna rotary on the throttle makes a brilliant rudder control)

TM and CH gear may look expensive (my setup back then cost more than the Warthog does now) but it lasts and then some. I'm not decrying Saitek, they make some nice stuff but if you can justify the cost, then TM or CH should be the only choice IMO.

 

[Jerakeen]

I've just replaced my old Logitech 3d Pro with a Hotas setup and I had an awful job deciding on what to get.

I could have saved up and got the Warthog, which would have been my preferred option but I do like having the twist action on the joystick for yaw and I know that even if I saved up for the extra money I'd need to spend on a set of rudder pedals as I don't have a dedicated gaming set up I'd probably not want to have the hassle of it. I have my PC connected to the TV and operate my joystick on a tray on my lap from my armchair so I just want to pick up the joystick and play, not fiddle around getting extra bits out and plugging them in.

I'm not a fan of Saitek products having had one of their keyboards some years ago and being totally underwhelmed with the build quality. The horror stories you read of the multiple failures doesn't make me any more enthusiastic about their joysticks. I had a play with an X52 years ago when they were first released, before the MadCatz takeover apparently reduced the quality and I didn't think much of it even then. It seemed very light and insubstantial and had to be held down with suckers which immediately introduced an element of inaccuracy to the control. At the time I had a Sidewinder FF2 which I still think is probably the best joystick I've ever used.

So, I've ended up going for the cheap option of the Thrustmaster Hotas X and after playing with it for a week I have to say that I'm very pleased with it. It's about an eighth of the price of the Warthog and it's very nice to use. The resistance of the stick can be dialed up or down depending on your preference and it's got plenty of buttons for what I want. Most of my minor functions, landing gear, cargo scoop, hardpoints and supercruise etc are controlled be Voiceattack anyway so I don't need buttons for those.

The buttons on the stick itself aren't quite as nicely positioned as on the 3d Pro but I've got used to that already.

In all it's an excellent stick for the money. I wouldn't swap it for either of the Saitek ones..

 

[RebellGhost]

Thanks to all of your for the very interesting discussion and the even more so helpful suggestions. I've learned more about possible setups i this thread than I could have leanred in a month of research on my own
As most of you have had different experiences with different sticks, I'll probably order all of them and only keep the setup I like the most. (Except for the TM HOTAS X, as I already tried it and didn't like the throttle)

 

[Super_Duty]

Same here... only single hat however. Serves me well using w/keyboard.


View attachment 31671View attachment 31672

im running a logictech extreme 3d pro 12 buttons full throttle when i bought it was 40USD works great

 

[mallard729]

I have the Thrustmaster T-flight hotas X .. it's fully supported by ED and I love it .. feels strong and for the price you can't go wrong .. I have every single function that I use mapped to the joystick and throttle.. I couldn't reccomend it any higher.

big +1

thanks

 

[Jadentsu]

Get the Warthog. It is expensive, but man... it's so worth it. There's more switches than you know what to do with, and the accuracy is phenominal!

EDIT: Also all metal, some of my colleagues had difficulty lifting it for extended periods of time. Sturdy build.

 

[Humourwriter]

What do you use for yaw control?

 

[Rankaze]

Some of these people don't understand the word "budget".

You do not need to drop $200 on your setup.. a $60 Hotas X is great for this game is you're willing to accept maybe 2 key binds on your keyboard and don't mind a plastic feel. In game, it works great.

The HOTAS X rudder twist is terrible. I know. I used to own one. I gave it to a friend who didn't have a HOTAS, and he says it's terrible, too (but he's still using it until he can afford his own setup). It has a monstrous deadzone that makes it almost impossible to be precise with.

There is absolutely no comparison between the HOTAS X and any decent HOTAS.

If you're on a budget, go T-16000M. Even if you end up having to use the keyboard for throttle, at least your joystick will be precise.

 

[ChrisMag]

Yeah, when I was considering which direction to go I was worried about the button count on the T16000M, right up until I saw how many there were on the pro throttle.

Loving the combination!

I bought a T16000m to start with. I tried mouse+keyboard and couldn't get a feel for it. Bought the Thrustmaster and really like it. I received a CH Pro Throttle today from Amazon and after getting used to it for a few hours, I'm very happy with the purchase. I have around $155 total into the combo and don't regret the decision at all. I've used the X52 pro a bit at a friend's house, and it seemed nice also but the mini-stick on the CH throttle is a real asset.

This is the review which sealed the decision to get the CH throttle. It's a good comparison betweem the CH products and the Saitek.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceOdOytgT64

 

[[VR] Mad Mike]

I am very happy with my X55.

its is currently going for £120, which is a cracking price here. I paid £150 for mine and not once regretted it.

http://www.ballicom.co.uk/scb432150...rottle-and-stick-system-for-pc.p1024035.html?

I have not read the whole thread so I am sure this stick has already been suggested, and for what ever reason rejected

the throttle is the best i have ever used and it has different springs to alter stiffness. Sure, its no warthog and maybe its action is not 100% smooth, but that is over twice the price AND the lack of twist yaw is a show stopper for me. I do not have the cash or the space to buy pedals on top of the rest of the hog.

anyone around cambridge UK (haverhill actually) is welcome to try mine out......

 

[xDreadnoughtx]

The HOTAS X rudder twist is terrible. I know. I used to own one. I gave it to a friend who didn't have a HOTAS, and he says it's terrible, too (but he's still using it until he can afford his own setup). It has a monstrous deadzone that makes it almost impossible to be precise with.

There is absolutely no comparison between the HOTAS X and any decent HOTAS.

If you're on a budget, go T-16000M. Even if you end up having to use the keyboard for throttle, at least your joystick will be precise.

Posted this before elsewhere.

No dead zone on mine.
Now running 400+ hours. (No - not just trukkin)
No issues.
Perfectly precise for all but the most competitive player, but not quite as good as the x52, the only other stick I can comment on.
Its a little plasticky....but hey its £40. Go figure.

Some like their thing and they don't like the other. Wow. Big revelation.

 

[Ben Salient]

bought Saitek X55 , purely to play E.D
it seemed ideal for the game
opened the packaging & was highly impressed , box within a box & securely packaged.
I have never owned a HOTAS before & it took my breath away.

6 weeks later ,
sticky throttle drives me crazy , am hoping with more use that it will wear in.
stick grinding was a major pain when trying to play quietly at night , though with headphones on I did not notice it (fixed it now)

from all the comments & info I have since seen regards Saitek products buying one is a roll of the dice
many people very happy , some people disgusted

speaking personaly I would say I am 85% content with what I got for my £130 & I could not justify myself spending more than that to play any game
not having braided usb cables & the small but noticeable gaping / unevenness between some plastic parts , tell you all you need to know about build & component quality
I have a Madcatz RAT t.e mouse which is superb , the best mouse I have ever owned ... so really surprised by Saitek

having said all of that , I love the twist stick that saiteks products have
and cannot envisage playing the game without that.

my X-55 is annoying at times , but I would be lost without it , I guess I love it even though it bugs me.

I am from the uk & its a shame there are no longer stores where you can go and try products before you buy.

 

[Wicz]

The HOTAS X rudder twist is terrible. I know. I used to own one. I gave it to a friend who didn't have a HOTAS, and he says it's terrible, too (but he's still using it until he can afford his own setup). It has a monstrous deadzone that makes it almost impossible to be precise with.

There is absolutely no comparison between the HOTAS X and any decent HOTAS.

If you're on a budget, go T-16000M. Even if you end up having to use the keyboard for throttle, at least your joystick will be precise.

You should mention that to Isinona - https://www.youtube.com/user/Isinona

He uses a Hotas X, and is one of the best "FA off" pilots. FA off requires very small and precise movements to be used effectively.